Job Description
1. Background
Since 1953, the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPA Sri Lanka), the pioneer in Family Planning and Reproductive Health Education, is an accredited member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) in the United Kingdom.
We are seeking a dynamic, strategic leader to serve as Head of Advocacy, guiding our efforts to influence policy, legal reform, and social justice outcomes.
2. Purpose of the Role
The Head of Advocacy will drive FPA Sri Lanka’s advocacy and legal reform agenda, particularly in advancing progressive legislation and policies related to sexual and reproductive rights, gender justice, and protection of marginalised communities. The incumbent will provide strategic evidence-based and policy-related advice, coordinate national advocacy initiatives, and represent FPA Sri Lanka in legal and policy forums both nationally and internationally. The advocacy strategy will focus on strategic directives on shifting societal norms and engaging with youth.
3. Key Responsibilities
3.1 Strategic Leadership
- Develop FPA Sri Lanka’s advocacy strategy through strategic communication, activity-based advocacy through social and political engagement, and roll out of SBC campaigns, focused on the country’s legal framework and policy initiatives.
- Advocate for the decriminalisation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer (or “questioning”) (LGBTQ+) rights and workers’ rights.
- Conduct research and analysis to inform policy decisions, identify gaps, and recommend areas for reform and advocacy.
- Analyse the United Nations (UN) declarations; Sri Lanka has signed and ratified in line with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and create a strategic pathway to lobby public sector institutions for more reforms.
- Design, structure and roll out social behaviour change (SBCC) campaigns and other advocacy related workshops and activities across sections to ensure inclusivity and knowledge dissemination.
3.2 Policy Advocacy and Legal Reform
- Draft policy briefs, position papers, and strategic communication material (for social media platforms and other outreach outlets).
- Engage and build partnerships with policymakers, government agencies, civil society, and international organisations to facilitate legislative and policy change.
- Engage with international platforms and create visibility for the advocacy initiatives of the FPA and present at international forums.
- Advocate for the deconstruction and implementation of international human rights standards relevant to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
3.3 Strategic Litigation
- Identify and support strategic litigation opportunities that promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
- Liase with legal partners, law firms, and public interest law organisations to advance strategic cases.
- Create the strong resource loop between communities and legal organisations to ensure citizens are aware of their rights.
3.4 Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
- Provide advice regarding policy reforms and legal parameters FPA’s support and program teams.
- Build the capacity of FPA staff, volunteers, and partners on legal frameworks relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer (or “questioning”) (LGBTQ+) rights, and humanitarian law with the aim of ensuring FPA’s initiatives and knowledge sharing drives the FPA’s advocacy agenda across the legal frameworks of the country.
3.5 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Undertake and supervise Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities as part of shared responsibilities, in alignment with FPA Sri Lanka Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Policy. Standard Operational Procedure Manual and International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) accreditation requirements. This includes the development, use of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) data / information for evidence-based decision making.
- Establish advocacy indicators and monitor the impact of FPA’s advocacy initiatives on policy and legal reform.
- Conduct Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (KAP) analyses to monitor impact of advocacy initiatives.
- Prepare and submit regular progress reports to the Executive Director and/or partners.
- Impact analysis and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) “wellness wheel” on all advocacy initiatives.
4. Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B.), Master’s Degree in Human Rights, International Relations, Public International Law, Gender studies, or related fields is an advantage.
- Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in human rights law, public policy advocacy, strategic litigation, advocacy for women’s and children’s rights or social justice/community engagement.
- Proven experience advocating for legal and policy reform in areas such as SRHR, women’s rights, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), protection of women’s, girls’ and children’s rights and human rights.
- Knowledge of international and regional human rights instruments and mechanisms.
- Experience working with civil society coalitions, government institutions, and international organisations.
- Excellent skills in legal research, drafting, policy analysis, and strategic communication.
- Fluency in English and Sinhala or Tamil; multilingual proficiency is highly desirable.
5. Competencies
- Strong analytical, advocacy skills, and legal acumen.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build capacity across a wide cross section of society.
- High ethical standards and confidentiality.
- Sensitivity and respect for diverse cultural, sexual, and gender identities.
6. Remuneration
An attractive and competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered.
7. Other Details
- Location: Colombo 07, Sri Lanka (with occasional national and overseas travel)
- Reports to: Executive Director
- Starting Date: 01st September 2025
- Contract Type: Fixed term (Renewable)
FPA Sri Lanka is committed to the safety and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and this role may include contact with these groups. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults in our programs.
FPA Sri Lanka is an equal opportunity employer who will not discriminate on grounds of Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Religion, Marital Status and Disability.
Please send us your application on or before 18th of July 2025, citing names and contact information for two professional and a cover letter demonstrating how you meet the qualifications and key responsibilities, to the Executive Director at [email protected]. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The Executive Director
FPA Sri Lanka 37/27, Bullers Lane, Colombo 07
Email: [email protected]
Our website www.fpslanka.lk
FPA Sri Lanka is an equal-opportunity employer
